The Best Compound Bow for the Money

When it comes to compound bows, there are several to consider when determining which is the best compound bow for the money. Each person has different needs from their bow, and there are bows out there to suit everyone, depending on your skill. Here you will find some information regarding what to look for in a good compound bow, and a few examples of some of the best compound bows on the market for your money.

These compound bows have been chosen based on their overall functionality and value, with the pros and cons of each listed to help you determine what style best suits your style of archery.

The Winner

Of the 5 bows chosen for this article, the best compound bow for the money is the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro. The Infinite Edge Pro boasts fast arrow speeds and a solid design, while maintaining power and accuracy. It is the most versatile compound bow at an affordable price. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned archer, this bow can help you raise your game at any level.

This compound bow was the best overall value, combining all the best qualities presented here at an affordable cost.

What to Look for in a Compound Bow

There have been many advancements over the years on bow technology, and it can easily be daunting for a beginner to understand what they’re looking for. From draw height to arrow speed, there is a lot for a consumer to understand before making an informed decision.

Before you can determine what bow to buy, you need to know what compound bows today have to offer. There are many different types of bows to choose from out there, so it is good to know a little bit about them, and which ones will best suit your needs.

Some of the main features when looking into the purchase of a compound bow are:

• Power: how much force your bow can generate
• Agility: how easy is it to maneuver with your bow while you’re moving/ hunting
• Speed: how many feet per second (FPS) your bow can cause an arrow to travel
• Adjustability and versatility: these include bow weight, draw weight and height, cams and let-off capability
• Value for the money

Power: How Much Force Can Your Bow Generate?

Every compact bow has what is known as a draw weight, which is simply the force required for you to draw the bow. The higher a draw weight a bow has, the more force it has to put behind an arrow and the more punch the arrow will have on impact. Most bows are sold according to draw weight.

Every person should choose a draw weight that feels both comfortable to them, as well as what is best for their needs. For example, adult males should select a bow with a draw weight of at least 50 lbs., to give them enough power with manageable pull.

Agility

The ability to be able to move through the woods with relative stealth is an important part of hunting, and a cumbersome bow can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spots. For better maneuverability, choose a bow that has a shorter axle to axle length.

The axle to axle length, also known as the ATA, is the distance measured between each axle of a compound bow. While longer bows tend to be more stable, there are shorter bows that retain good stability while staying compact.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the bow. A lighter bow is easier to hold for longer periods, which can help in taking a more accurate shot.

Speed

Something to consider is the speed a bow lends to its arrow. Arrow velocity is measured by feet per second (fps), and a decent arrow velocity from a compound bow should be about 300 fps.

Adjustability and Versatility

The greater the adjustability of a bow, the more versatile it is. Some of the main factors that affect adjustability are the draw length and the draw weight.

Draw length is the distance from the nock point to the throat of the grip of your bow, plus 1 ¾”. It varies from person to person, but it is typically the same length as the arrow you would need.

Here’s a trick to help find the best draw length for you. Stand with your hands extended out from your sides and have someone else measure the space from the tip of one of your middle fingers to your other. Take this number and divide it by 2.5, and that will give you the approximate draw length for your body size.

Draw weight is the force required to shoot a bow. The higher the draw weight, the more force can be generated, and the more powerful your shot will be.

Many compound bows have adjustable draw lengths and weights, allowing for an archery experience that best suits your requirements.

Value

While there are some expensive compound bow options on the market today, it is not necessary to spend your life savings to find the bow that’s the best fit for you.

It’s important to think of what it is you need from your bow, and what styles and models suit your needs best. Many exceptional bows can be bought at reasonable prices.

How Do You Choose the Best Bow for You?

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when you are planning to purchase a new bow. How do you plan to use your bow? Are you planning to use it for hunting? What sized animals? What distance will you generally shoot at? It’s important to be clear exactly what you expect from your new bow.

Be sure to hold the bow. Test how the compound bow feels when you hold and draw it. The best bow for you will feel comfortable as you draw and release. It’s important that you get a bow that feels comfortable when you grip it and is a weight that you can hold consistently while you pause and take aim.

Be sure to take the time to fit your new compound bow to you. You can often get help with this at a pro shop or an archery range. People there can help you figure out your draw length and weight, as well as tune the bow and help set the sight.

Practice at a target range. This will help determine if the bow is at the right comfort level for you, and whether you need to readjust it or return it for a different model.

It is also important to know whether you want a left-handed bow or a right-handed bow. Some models of compound bow only come in a right-hand option, so be sure to check before deciding on a model. It’s also important to note: the thing that determines what type or archer you are, either left-handed or right-handed, is which hand you draw the string with, not which hand you hold the bow in.

Different Requirements for Target Practice and Hunting

What activities interest you?  Do you want to spend time honing your skills target shooting, or are you interested in hunting game? Determining what you plan to use your bow for is crucial in finding the bow that will best suit your needs.

For target practice and small game hunting, a bow with a lower draw weight will be sufficient, but if you’re looking to hunt bigger game, it is important to use a bow with a high draw weight to ensure a more humane kill. It’s also better to use a quieter bow when hunting.

The Best Compound Bows of 2020

Here is a list of some of the best compound bows for the money.

Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro

When it comes to all-around performance, the Infinite Edge Pro by Diamond Archery is one of the best values you can find. A well-designed and versatile bow that won’t break the bank; this is a bow that is worth your while.

It is lightweight, has a smooth release, is powerful and accurate, and is ideal for both target practice and hunting. The draw weight is 70 lbs. maximum, and with a dual cam feature the average speed of your arrows will be 310 feet per second.

This is a compound bow that will offer you a good deal of versatility, with a draw length run from 13-30” and a draw weight between 5 and 70 lbs., peaking at a 75% let-off. It also comes in either left or right-handed models.

This is an excellent bow for honing your skills, at a price that won’t leave you bankrupt.

Pros:

• Powerful and accurate
• Smooth release
• Lightweight
• Versatile
• Does not need expensive accessories

Cons:

• Poorly crafted arrow rest
• Difficult to place arrows into the quiver
• May be difficult for a beginner to set up

SAS Rage 70 Lbs 30” Compound Bow

If you’re looking for an affordably priced compound bow capable of great performance and accuracy, the Rage by Southland Archery Supply is a great choice for you.

The bow is constructed of aluminum and fiberglass, which makes it extremely durable. It is slightly heavier than comparable models, at 4.4 lbs., but the sturdiness of the design allows for hours of misfires during practice sessions without compromising shot integrity. It also is designed to accept all standard parts and upgrades.

The bow has an excellent draw weight adjustability of 55 to 70 lbs., which makes it a great bow for both target practice and small to medium sized game hunting.

There are a few downsides to this particular model that you should be aware of. It is not a quiet bow; some hunters have reported it as being very loud. There is also only a right-handed version available, which can be inconvenient for some buyers. Also, due to the heavy draw weight this may not be a good option for children.

Although there are some negatives, when you combine the competitive price of this bow with its ease of use and sturdiness of its design, you’ll find the SAS Rage 70 lbs. compound bow is clearly a great choice for those on a budget.

Pros:

• Competitively priced
• Durable construction
• Easy to customize
• Great overall performance
• Easy draw for a more accurate shot

Cons:

• Bow sight and arrow rest are of poor quality
• Can be loud
• Only make a right-handed version
• Slightly heavier than competitors’ bows

Bear Archery Cruzer G2

This compound bow is the best choice if you are a beginner archer. The design specifics allow comfortable use for nearly any sized archer, and with a high range of adjustability this is a bow that a young novice can grow into.

The draw weight of this bow ranges between 5 lbs. up to 70 lbs., making it ideal for everything from target practice to hunting. It has a draw length adjustability from 12 to 30 inches and can shoot arrows at speeds of up to 315 feet per second. With a weight of slightly over 3 lbs., this bow can fit all your needs while not wearing your arm out by the end of the day.

The Bear Cruzer has a smooth draw thanks to its moderate cam design, and with a 75 percent let off you can hold it at full draw comfortably for extended periods of time. There are also versions for both right-handed and left-handed archers. Another great thing about this bow is that its design makes it easy to maneuver during hunting as well as relatively quiet when shooting.

The Bear Cruzer may be a little pricier than some bows in its class, but it is definitely an excellent purchase for the beginner due to its versatility and overall performance.

Pros:

• Great for both target practice and hunting
• Good choice for beginners as well as seasoned hunters
• Sturdy construction
• 32” axle to axle length for excellent maneuverability
• High quality accessories

Cons:

• Factory tuning
• Expensive compared to other comparable bows
• Does not come with arrows

Martin Archery Lithium Bow

This bow is one of the best high-quality hunting bows you will get for the money. The accuracy and stealth that this bow is capable of makes it an extremely impressive bow.

This bow will allow you to choose between 50, 60, and 70 lb. peak draw weights, depending on what comfortably matches your personal strength. This allows you to cater to your personal preference, giving you customized power and better accuracy. This bow also has enough power to be able to hunt both large and small game humanely.

The lithium bow has zero kickback, which means you will have no hand vibration after shooting. With speeds reaching 335 FPS, the Martin Archery Lithium bow is about as fast and accurate a bow as you can get.

This is a relatively lightweight but powerful bow, and it is not recommended for beginners. It is also a bit pricey, but for the high-quality design and performance this bow has to offer, it is definitely a bow for a more experienced archer to consider.

Pros:

• High-Quality design
• Powerful and accurate
• Lightweight and stealth
• Smooth, fast shooting capability

Cons:

• Not for beginners
• Higher price

RAPTOR Compound Kit

The RAPTOR compound kit has made the list as one of the best compound bows for your money because, not only does it have a nice range of versatility, it also comes with all the accessories you need at an affordable price.

The construction of this bow is of high quality; both the bow and its accessories are made from excellent materials. When you draw the strings, 75% of the weight is let-off, allowing for a much easier draw and release. It allows you the ability to modify draw length between 24.5” and 31” as well as the draw weight between 30 and 70 lbs., making it a fairly versatile bow.

When you look at comparable bows to this one, and then add all the extras this bow comes with, you can see why this bow is considered such a good value. These extras include:

• 5 pin sight with light and level
• Whisker biscuit arrow rest
• Stabilizer
• Peep sight and loop already

Two main complaints about this bow have been that the tuning was not performed well by the factory, and that the cable guard tends to come loose. But for the performance and the accessories, the RAPTOR compound kit is worth the investment.

Pros:

• Adjustable draw length and weight allow for versatility
• Get all needed accessories in the same package (no need to spend extra)
• No need for complicated assembly
• 3.6 lbs.
• Ideal for both target practice and hunting

Cons:

• Cable guard may become loose
• Poor factory tuning

Bear Archery BR33 Hybrid

This compound bow rounds off our list with some impressive features.

One thing that hunters know, if you want to humanely penetrate the thick hides of some wildlife, you need an arrow that will hit its target with a lot of speed. At a speed of 330fps, this bow packs some serious punch. It has an 80% let-off to ease the strain when holding the bow at full draw, and draw weight available in 45-60 lbs. or 55-70 lbs.

There is also a variation in draw length between 27 inches and 32 inches, so the bow can be used by many different sized shooters, adding to its versatility.

The design of this bow is such that you get a smooth, clean shot with little noise. This is due to features that are signature with this manufacturer, such as the Sonic Stop system and Max Preload quad limbs, which ensure an evenly distributed load for a more consistent shot.

The package also comes equipped with good quality Trophy Ridge accessories.

Pros:

• High Speed
• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons:

• Heavier than other comparable models
• Available for right-handed shooters only

Best for the Money

While the SAS Rage did have great overall performance and was reasonably priced, this model is slightly heavier and louder than its competitors, and only comes in a right-handed version which may be an issue for some people.

The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is known for its power and agility, and it also comes with a complete package, making it excellent for beginners. But with poor factory tuning and a price tag a little higher than the competition, the Bear Cruzer does not top the list.

One of the best bows on the list, as far as overall performance, was definitely the Martin Archery Lithium bow. With power and accuracy in a lightweight, high quality design this bow is an exceptional choice. It is not for the novice, however, but rather for the seasoned archer. Its higher price might keep it out of some people’s price range as well.

The RAPTOR compound kit is one that is a good choice for both beginners and seasoned archers. Lightweight and adjustable, this is an excellent bow. The kit also gives you all the accessories you need. This is a great bow, but poor tuning and complaints of loose cable guards keep it from the top of the list.

When it comes to performance, the Bear Archery BR33 has won the hearts of many hunters. With its fast speed and versatility, it is an excellent choice for a high performing compound bow. But the weight as well as being available only for right-handed shooters, is what kept this bow from making the top of the list.

The award for the best compound bow for the money has to go to the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge Pro. This compound bow is lightweight, powerful and accurate. The draw weight and draw height allow for exceptional versatility, and the bow has a smooth release and excellent arrow speed. It is also ideal for both target practice and hunting. Add to all this an affordable price and you have the best compound bow for the money.